Are you having a difficult time persuading your child to eat a healthier diet? If so, you are definitely not alone. Many parents are struggling to help their children make healthy food choices. Between picky eaters and just plain stubbornness, mealtimes can be quite the challenge.
“Guest Post by Ida Jones – Fitness Grit”
It is extremely important to foster a supportive environment where everyone in your family has a positive relationship with food. When it comes to kids, the importance doubles as they are still in their growth stage.
Moreover, kids tend to prefer junk over wholesome and nutritious food. This is why it is mandatory to make them habitual of eating food that is necessary for their growth.
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Here are 10 tips for getting your children to eat healthy food and develop this lifelong habit:
Do Not Restrict Them
If you restrict your children to certain food, they can develop harmful eating disorders. Anorexia or bulimia may spring up when a person is forced to adopt eating choices against their will. The wise choice here would be to talk about nutritious and healthy food, and why should your children prefer them.
Avoid low-quality and processed junk foods, and cook a meal of your kid’s choice at home. This way he will learn to eat the right quality of food in the right quantity.
Keep Healthy Food Prepared
The best way to make your children get rid of junk is to keep healthy food at hand. Instead of giving them chips when they are free or as a light snack in the evening, keep a fruit bowl prepared at all times. Stock your house with healthy food. Your kid will have no choice but to eat it, whenever useless hunger strikes him.
Also, whenever you want to eat a snack, choose something healthy. Your actions will also force your kids to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t Rebuke On Unhealthy Preferences
Children are prone to choose unhealthy, fatty and fried foods over healthier alternatives. Instead of nagging them about their sedentary lifestyle or eating habits, always provide them with a suitable option.
If your child wants to eat French Fries, Roast the potatoes in just a bit of oil. Better taste with no side backs. Similarly, instead of candies, give your children strawberries dipped in cream or a little chocolate sauce. You can always keep sweet dried fruit as a counterpart for unhealthy candies.
Have Family Dinners
Various researchers have concluded that children who eat dinner with their parents have better nutrition. If you do not follow this habit at home, make it a tradition. Have meals together, where you can serve yourself.
Instead of a buffet style dinner, cut the right portion of each item and serve equally on everyone’s dinner plate.
Consult Your Pediatrician
If you are putting your kids on a healthy diet or are steering their direction towards weight loss, consult a pediatrician. Never diagnose the problem yourself, always talk to the doctor.
Start making gradual changes in their diet and do not force them to give up on their eating habits immediately. It will weaken their resolve and spirit to lose weight. You can also opt for high-quality ankle weights and treadmill if you want them to stay active alongside maintaining their diet.
About the Author
Ida Jones is a mother of two little ones who enjoys home-based workouts, cardio exercises, and long runs. She loves spending her vacations outdoors with her kids around nature. Ida also believes in clean and healthy eating. She regularly writes about fitness tips and much more at Fitness Grit.
*DO YOU HAVE A PICKY EATER? OR DOES YOUR FAMILY EAT HEALTHY FOODS? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS. I ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR FROM MY READERS!
